Jam-proof trash compactor

ABSTRACT

A trash compacting apparatus including a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with a top opening in the first chamber, a third chamber communicating with a side opening in the first chamber, a carriage assembly movable horizontally through the first chamber between first and second positions, a compaction platen for compressing trash delivered to the second chamber against the top of the carriage assembly when the carriage assembly is in the first position, and a scraping element arranged at the intersection of the first and second chambers for scraping trash off the top of the carriage into the first chamber when the carriage assembly moves from the first position to the second position, whereby trash in the first chamber is compacted into the third chamber when the carriage assembly moves from the second position to the first position.

United States Patent y 1 51 Sept. 30, 1975 1 1 JAM-PROOF TRASH COMPACTOR [76] inventor: John A. Boyd, 3314 Holloman Rd., Pr'mmy Wflhllc Falls Church VZL 2204: Attorney, Age/1!, 0r hrnz-Roylance, Abrams Berdo & Kaul [221 Filed: Nov. 30, 1973 Appl. No.: 420,582

[57] ABSTRACT A trash compacting apparatus including a first chamher. a second chamber communicating with a to opening in the first chamber, a third chamber communicating with a side opening in the first chamber. a carriage assembly movable horizontally through the first chamber between first and second positions. a compaction platen for compressing trash delivered to the second chamber against the top of the carriage assembly when the carriage assembly is in the first position and a scraping element arranged at the intersection of the first and second chambers for scraping trash off the top of the carriage into the first chamber when the carriage assembly moves from the first position to the second position, whereby trash in the first chamber is compacted into the third chamber when the carriage assembly moves from the second position to the first position.

11 Claims. 11 Drawing Figures US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet20f4 3,908,538

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,908,538

NN W m US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet4 0f4 3,908,538

,] AM-PROOF TRASH COMPACTOR The present invention relates to trashcompactors, and more particularly it relates to jam-proof automatic trash compactors having both horizontally and vertically movable compaction devices. As used herein, the term trash is intended to comprehend garbage, waste paper, refuse, or any other form of disposable matter.

Many prior art devices have been directed toward compressing or compacting loose trash or garbage so that this material will take up a smaller volume, thereby decreasing the amount of space necessary to store or otherwise dispose of the unneeded material. Some of these prior art devices have involved the vertical compaction of trash by means of a hydraulic ram, while oth' ers have opted for a horizontally movable hydraulic ram. In addition, some prior art devices have combined the horizontal and vertical compaction, thereby increasing the amount of compaction obtained. These last named prior art devices have in some instances provided the vertical compaction first and then the horizontal compaction, whereas others have provided horizontal compaction first and then vertical compaction. In any event, these prior art devices usually utilize a feeding or loading chute through which trash is delivered to a first compaction. chamber via an opening in the chamber spaced above the bottom of that chamber.

However, a basic problem is presented in utilizing these compactors when long dense objects are fed into the compaction chamber from the feeding chute and some objects do not completely enter the chamber but remain partly in the feeding chute and partly in the chamber. Thissituation occurs when an individual object is very long and when individual objects pile up in the compaction chamberand'extend into the interface between the feeding chuteand the chamber. Thus with the trash, for example bound stacks of newspaper, partially in the chamber and partially in the feeding chute, when the compaction ram starts to move through the chamber this trash 'becomes wedged between the chamber wall below the entrance of the feeding chute and the compaction ram.- I

Additionally, this jamming can result in damage to the compactor, such as misalignmentof the compaction ram and its drive mechanism, when the ram comes to an abrupt halt. Moreover, after such jamming occurs, freeing of the jammed ram can be difficult and requires service and repair of the compactor.

' In order to avoid this potential problem, the present" invention positions the bottom of the feeding chute in an automatic trash compactor whereby horizontal and vertical compaction. are automatically executed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a trash compactor wherein the compacted trash is fed into a sleeve for easy removal and disposal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a trash compactor having a compacting sequence automatically' initiated upon sensing of the presence of trash in the apparatus.

The foregoing objects are attained by providing a trash compacting apparatus comprising a first means for defining a first chamber having a top opening and a side opening; a second means, coupled to said first means, for defining a second chamber located above and directly communicating with said first chamber through said top opening; third means, coupled to said first means, for defining a third chamber located on one side of and directly communicating with said first chamber through said side opening; a carriage assembly longitudinally movable through said first chamber between a first position wherein a first portion of said carriage assembly fills said top opening and a second portion of said carriage assembly fills said side opening, and a second position wherein said first and second portions are spaced from said openings; chute means, coupled to said second chamber, for delivering trash into said second chamber; compaction means, located in said second chamber, for compressing trash against said second portion of said carriage assembly when said carriage assembly is in said first position; power means for moving said carriage assembly between said first and second positions; and scraping means, located adjacent said top opening and in contacting relationship with said portion, for scraping said second portion of trash as said second portion is moved from said first and second positions to, thereby cause the trash to fall into said first chamber, whereby movement of said carriage assembly from said second position to said first position causes the trash in said first chamber to be transferred in and 'compactedin said third chamber.

Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, forms a complete disclosure of the present invention. v

Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section in elevation of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 with portions cut away;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along lines 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken along lines 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of a clam shell connection member in the closed position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the clam shell connection members in the open position;

FIG. 7 is'a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit used in the present invention; I

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the trash being compacted in the vertical direction between a ram platen and the top of the car riage assembly;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the ram platen returned to its retracted p0- sition, the carriage assembly located in its second position, and the trash falling into the first chamber;

FIG. is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 9 with the carriage assembly located in its first position and with trash deposited in the third chamber; and

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the ejection plate ejecting trash from the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, as best seen in FIG. 1, the overall apparatus includes a first chamber 22, a second chamber 24, a third chamber 26, and a feeding chute 28. Movable in the vertical direction through the second chamber 24 is a hydraulically activated compaction device and movable horizontally and longitudinally through the first chamber 22 is a carriage assembly comprising a carriage 32 and an ejecting member 90.

The first chamber 22 is defined on its bottom by a horizontally oriented bottom wall 34. The top of the bottom wall is a sliding surface 36 upon which the bottom of the carriage 32 and the ejecting member 90 are supported and slide. The bottom wall 34 is a rectangular and planar sheet as are the walls referred to below. Mounted perpendicularly at the left end of the bottom wall 34 and extending upwardly is a side wall 38 which is connected perpendicularly at its top to a wall 40 which is parallel to the bottom wall 34.

As seen in FIG. 3, two upright parallel exterior side walls 42 and 44 are perpendicularly mounted to the edges of the bottom wall 34 and the top wall 40. Two interior side walls 41 and 43 extend vertically from the top of the bottom wall 34, are parallel to the side walls 42 and 44 and are spaced inward from the side walls 42 and 44. Side walls 41 and 43 extend upwardly to a height which is about twice the height of walls 42 and 44.

Referring again to FIG. 1, extending upwards from the inner end of the top wall 40, at an angle of approximately 45, is a chute bottom wall 46 having at its end spaced from the top wall 40 a vertically oriented side wall 48. Extending horizontally from the end of the side wall 48 is a chute top wall 50 having a centrally located circular cutout therein for the reception of a pipe 52. Depending downwardly in the vertical direction from the chute top wall 50 is a wall 54 which extends below the chute top wall 50 to a position approximately level with the top of the chute bottom wall.

Spaced slightly from the right side of the wall 54 is a vertically oriented wall 56 connected at its top to a top wall 58 which is in the same horizontal plane as the chute top wall 50. The space between walls 54 and 56 is designated as 60, the purpose for this space to be described hereinafter.

Depending from the end of the top wall 58 spaced from wall 56 is a side wall 62 which extends down to the level of the horizontal plane containing the top wall 40.

Extending to the right horizontally and perpendicularly from the side wall 62 is a wall 64. Extending at approximately a 45 angle from the bottom of the wall 64 is a wall 66 which contacts and is connected to the end of a short horizontally oriented wall 68 which has an end just above the end of the bottom wall 34. Extending horizontally from and in the same plane as wall 68 is a top wall 47 and extending horizontally from and in the same plane as wall 34 is a bottom wall 49.

The volume surrounded by the interior side walls 41 and 43, the left side wall 38, the top wall 40, the walls 64, 66 and 68, and the bottom wall 34 is the first chamber 22.

The volume surrounded by the bottom of the platen 76, the wall 62, and the interior side walls 41 and 43 is the second chamber 24.

The volume surrounded by the side walls 41 and 43, and the top and bottom walls 47 and 49 is the third chamber 26.

Rigidly mounted to the bottom surface of the top wall 58 in the second chamber 24 is a hydraulic cylinder 72 having a piston 74 movable therethrough. Mounted perpendicularly at the distal end of the piston 74 is a platen 76 which is preferably rectangular and planar and, as seen in FIG. 1, extends from sidewall 62 to a position below space 60 between walls 54 and 56. Perpendicularly mounted along the edge of platen 76 below space 60 and extending upward into the space is a guard plate 61. This plate extends between interior walls 41 and 43 and has a length equal to at least the distance between the bottom of wall 54 and the top of top wall 40.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the carriage 32 is comprised of a bottom member 78 and a top member 80. The bottom member is formed in a right parallelepiped configuration. The top member 80 is a planar rectangular plate supported above the top of the bottom member 78 by means of a vertically oriented support 82 and an acute support 84 extending from the front portion of the top member at a 45 angle to the top of the bottom member 78. The top member 80 has a length and width equal to the length and width of the top surface of the bottom member and is juxtaposed directly above the bottom member. The bottom of the bottom member rests on the top surface 36 of the bottom wall 34 and the vertical sides of the bottom member are in contacting relationship with the inside surface of walls 41 and 43.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the top of the top member 80 rests in contacting relationship with the bottom of walls 40 and 64 of the overall apparatus and in the first position shown in FIG. 1 fills the top opening 86 located between the intersection of walls 40 and 46 and 62 and 64. A side opening 93 in the first chamber is located at the connection of walls 68 and 47, and 34 and 48 and through which the first and third chambers communicate.

Mounted in the chute 28 along wall 43 is a sensing device 88 which can be an electric eye or, as shown, a limit switch 89 with a long feeler 91 thereon. This sensing device is mounted below the inlet into the chute 28 below pipe 52.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, ejecting member 90, in the form of a rectangular plate, is positioned adjacent the end 92 of the carriage 32. This ejecting memberfits snugly into the area surrounded by walls 41, 68, 43 and 34. In the first position shown in FIG. 1, the ejecting member fills the side opening 93 in the first chamber 22.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, rotatably mounted near the bottom wall 34, in the spaces between walls 41 and 42, and 43 and 44, are two screw drive systems 94 and 95. Since both of these drive systems are the same, only one will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2 the screw drive system 94 consists of an elongated screw 96 mounted for rotation between supports 98 and 99 which are mounted to the bottom walls 34 and 48, respectively. Connected at one end of the screw 96 is an electrical motor 100 which is reversible to thereby rotate the screw 96 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Extending through horizontally oriented slots 102 and 104 at the bottom of the interior side walls 41 and 43 are four clam shell connection devices 106, 108, l and 112. All of these devices are constructed in the same manner and, therefore, only one will be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the clam shell connection device is shown first in the closed position and then in the open position. Two of the connection devices are connected on opposite sides of the carriage 32 and receive screws 96 in the screw drive systems 94 and 95. Similarly two of the clam shell connection devices are supported on opposite sides of the ejecting member 90 and also receive these screws 96 of both of screw drive systems 94 and 95. When the connection devices are closed, rotation of the screws 96 causes movement of the carriage and the ejecting member.

Referring to FIG. 5, an edge of the carriage 32. is shown having a small plate 114 rigidly mounted perpendicularly to the outside surface of the carriage and fitting into slot 102. The plate pivotally supports, via bolts 116, a top member 118 and a bottom member 120. Each of these members is constructed in the same form and has a first straight portion 119 extending out ward from the bolts 116, an arcuate portion 121 in the middle and a second straight portion 123 at the distal end. A solenoid 122 is rigidly mounted on the top of the second straight portion 123 and is provided with a plunger rod 124 which is freely axially slidable within the solenoid and passes through a suitable aperture in the top member, the distal end of the rod being rigidly secured in the distal end of the bottom member 120 by suitable means. A tension spring 126 is mounted between the top member 118 and the bottom member 120 and tends to bias members 118 and 120 towards each other. As seen in FIG. 5, the screw 96 is engaged between the arcuate portions of the top and bottom members, whereas in FIG. 6 on energization of the solenoid 122 the top and bottom members are moved apart and are disengaged from the screw 96.

As seen in FIG. 2, the third chamber 26 has an outlet 128 which is closed by a set of clam doors 130. Each door is pivotally mounted along a vertical line at the ends of walls 42 and 44 and are locked together by a dog latch 132.

Contained in the third chamber 26 is an open ended sleeve 134 having a plastic liner 136 suitably secured to its inside surfaces. The sleeve fits snugly into the third chamber and has walls parallel to the walls of the chamber.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the electrical control circuits and hydraulic drives for the present invention will be described.

A source of alternating current 150 is connected through a fuse 151 to power lines 152 and 153 to provide alternating current power to the various circuit elements. An alternating current motor 154 is connected between line 152 and a junction 155, and is mechanically coupled to a hydraulic pump 156 which provides hydraulic fluid pressure through a conduit 157 to a bidirectional valve 158, the function and operation of which will be described hereinafter. One terminal of the energizing winding of an electromagnetic relay 160 is connected through a conventional semiconductor diode 159 to line 152, the other terminal thereof being connected to junction 155. The energizing winding of a solenoid 148 is connected in series circuit relationship with a time delay device 161, a normally closed limit switch LS1, and a pressure responsive switch 165 which is normally closed and which opens in response to detection of a predetermined pressure, this series circuit being in parallel circuit relationship with relay winding 160 and motor 154 between line 152 andjunction 155.

In series circuit relationship with the entire parallel circuit described above is a further three-branch parallel circuit arrangement connected between junction and line 153 including, in one branch, a normally open push button switch indicated generally at 162 and, in a second branch, a sensing device 88 which is illustrated as a normally open feeler switch. The third branch includes, in series circuit relationship, a normally closed limit switch LS2 and a normally open single-pole, sing throw contact set indicated generally at 163.

The operation of this branch of the circuit can be individually described before proceeding with the remainder of the circuit, this branch operating in conjunction with hydraulic cylinder 72, piston 74 and platen 76, previously described. The hydraulic pressure provided by the pump through conduit 157 and valve 158 can be directed through a conduit 166 to the upper portion of cylinder 72 in one position of valve 158, thereby causing piston 74 and platen 76 to move downwardly. With valve 158 in its other position, fluid pres sure is provided through a conduit 167 to the lower portion of cylinder 72, forcing the piston and platen upwardly. An exhaust conduit 168 is provided, as is usual in such systems. Valve 158 is biased toward the position in which the piston is driven upwardly by a compression spring schematically illustrated at 169. The valve is moved toward the position in which the piston is forced downwardly by energization of solenoid 148 and the resulting movement of plunger rod 149. When either one of push button 162 or sensor 88 is activated, a circuit is completed through winding and energizing contact set 163, the latter providing a holding circuit to maintain the relay energized. Simultaneously, a circuit is completed through winding 148 which, after a brief delay which can be provided by device 161, energizes winding 148 and moves valve 158 into a position to force the piston to its lowest position. Upon reaching that position, limit switch LS1 is physically contacted by the platen, or an associated mechanical device, deenergizing solenoid 148 and permitting valve 158 to move to its other position in which the piston is forced upwardly. Upon reaching the upper limit of its movement limit switch LS2 is open, deenergizing relay 160 and motor 154 and terminating the cycle.

If sufficient trash has accumulated on member 80 to prevent full movement of the platen to a position at which limit switch LS1 can be operated, pressure switch responds to the build up of pressure in the upper portion of cylinder 72 and opens the circuit for solenoid 148, accomplishing the same task as limit switch LS1. Pressure switch 165 is a conventional pressure responsive normally closed switch of a type which is either selected or adjusted to respond to a pressure in excess of that which would normally be encountered in downward compressing movement of platen 76, and to operate by opening the circuit at a pressure which indicates that the platen has compressed the trash to a desired limit. 1

The next portion of the circuit to be discussed controls the horizontal movement of the carriage and associated apparatus. One terminal of the energizing winding of a relay 175 is connected, through a conventional diode 176, to power line 152 and the other terminal is connected .to ajunction 177. Junction 177 is connected to one contact of a normally open contact set, indicated generally at 178, of a push button switch which can be manually operated to actuate the horizontal mechanism. The other terminal of the switch is connected to conductor 153 so that closing contact set 178 completes a circuit to energize winding 175. Junction 177 is also connected to a series circuit including three I limit switches, two of these being normally closed limit switches indicated generally at LS3 and LS7, and the third being a normally open switch indicated generally at LS4. Switch LS4 is mechanically coupled to and operates simultaneously with switch LS2 and is closed momentarily when platen 76 returns to its upper most position. Switch LS3 is a normally closed switch which is momentarily open when the carriage assembly returns to the position shown in FIG. 1 after having been absent therefrom. Switch LS7 operates in conjunction with the ejecting apparatus, to be described.

In parallel circuit relationship with normally open switch LS4 is a normally open contact set indicated generally at 179, this contact set being for the purpose of completing a latching circuit for relay 175, the contacts being closed upon energization of winding 175 by closure of either contact set 178 or normally open switch LS4.

Also operated by winding 175 are normally open single-pole, single-throw contact sets 180 and 181, one contact of each of these being connected to line 153. The other contact of contact set 181 is connected through a conventional diode 182 to one terminal of through a limit switch LS6, to conductor 153. Limit switch LS5 is disposed at the extreme left position .of carriage 32 for the purpose of deenergizing winding 183 at that point, the winding having been initially energized by energization of winding 175. The switch LS5 also includes the energizing winding of a relay 172 and a latching contact set 173, the winding being connected between time delay count 170 and conductor 153.

The remaining contact of contact set 180 is connected to a conventional bridge rectifier circuit 184, the other input terminal of which is connected to conductor 153. The output terminals of the bridge rectifier are connected to the movable contacts 185 and 186 of a double-pole, double-throw contact set 187, which contacts are operated by energization of winding 183. The fixed contacts of contact set 187 are connected to the terminals of a reversible DC motor 100 which, as previously described, drives the screw drive system indicated generally at 94 and 95 and previously discussed. As will be seen, with the contacts in the position shown in FIG. 7, themotor is provided with voltage of one polarity from bridge circuit 184, but with energization of winding 183 that motor is provided with energization ofthc opposite polarity, causing reversal of the motor and reversal of the direction of drive of the screw drive. system.

The operation of this portion of the circuit can now be described as it would occur following a compression cycle of platen 76. Upon return of that platen toits uppermost position, limit switch LS2 is opened, as previously described, terminating energization of the platen drive. Simultaneously, limit switch LS4 is closed, energizing winding which is latched in its energizing position by closing contact set 179. Energization of that winding also closes contact sets and 181, thereby energizing winding 183 and providing DC voltage to motor 100. The polarity of that voltage is determined by contact set 187 which is in the opposite condition to that shown in FIG. 7 and the screw drive system is activated, propelling thecarriage assembly to the left as shown in FIG. 1. Upon arrival at its extreme left position, contact set 171 of limit switch LS5 is mechanically opened, deenergizing winding 183 which immediately causes reversal of the polarity of the energy supplied to motor 100 and reversal of the direction of that motor and the screw drive system, carrying the carriage assembly back to the position shown in FIG. 1. Upon arrival at that position, limit switch LS3 is open momentarily, deenergizing relay 175 and terminating operation of the screw drive system. When contact set 171 is opened, contact set 173 is closed, thereby energizing relay 172 which latches the contact sets in the position opposite that shown in FIG. 7. After an interval sufficient to permit return of the carriage assembly to its original position, delay circuit 170 opens the circuit for relay 172, permitting the LS5 switches to return to the positions shown.

The remaining portion of the circuitry controls the clam shell connectors described previously with reference to the ejection apparatus and FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown therein, each clam shell structure is provided with a solenoid 122 having a rod 124 therein, one terminal of each solenoid being connected through one normally closed contact set of limit switch LS7 to conductor 152. and the other terminal thereof being connected to one terminal of a contact set 190 which is part of the push button structure of which contact set 178 is a part and to which LS6 is mechanically connected. The energizing winding of a relay 191 has one terminal connected to conductor 153 and the other terminal connected to a contact set indicated generally at 192, this contact set also being a part of, and operated concurrently with, the other push button operated switches. Single-pole, single-throw contact sets 193 and 194, operated upon energization of winding 191, are connected as latching circuits for solenoids 122 and winding 191, respectively.

This portion of the circuit is included for the purpose of actuating the screw drive system to eject material from chamber 26 without moving the carriage structure. The operation of this part of the system is initiated by manually operating the push button switches which closes contact sets 178, 190 and 192, respectively, opens the contacts of bistable limit switch LS6 to initially present energization of'winding 183, and energizes windings 175, 191 and solenoids 122. The screw drive system is thus energized, as previously described, but with the differences that the clam shell connectors are open, thereby preventing movement of the horizontal carriage and that the direction of drive is to the right. Thus, the screw drive operates to independently move ejecting member 90 to the right toward the end of chamber 26, pushing the compacted trash out through the end of the chamber. Upon reaching the end of the chamber, member 112 encounters limit switch LS6 and closes that switch, energizing winding 183 and reversing the polarity of the drivemotor. It will be observed that the polarity of the voltage provided to the drive motor is provided in there'verse sequence from the operation in which the entire carriage 32 is driven. Upon return of member 90 to its original position, as shown in H6. 1, both portions of limit switch LS7 are opened, deenergizing windings 175, 191, 183 and solenoids 122.

In the compacting operation, the carriage assembly is initially in the first position shown in FIG. 1 with the ejecting member 90 adjacent the side opening 93 of the first chamber and the top of the top member 80 filling the top opening 86 of the first chamber. The platen 76 is in its retracted position. When trash 140 is delivered to the chute 28 via pipe 52, it falls into the chute 28, rolls along the bottom wall 46 and comes to rest on top of the top member 80 below the platen 76. The sensing device 88 is actuated by the trash contacting feeler 91 and causes the piston 74 to extend downwardly from the hydraulic cylinder 72, thereby compacting the trash located in the second chamber between the platen 76 and the top of member 80. This is shown in FIG. 8.

The piston 74 is caused to return upwardly to its retracted position, as previously described, after compacting the trash in the second chamber, and closes limit switches LS2 and LS4, thereby activating electrical motors 100 to rotate screws 96 to move the carriage 32 and the ejecting member 90 from the first position shown in FIG. 8 to the second position shown in FIG. 9. During this movement the scraping member 87 formed by the intersection of walls 46 and 40 removes the compacted trash from the top member 80 and causes the trash to fall into the bottom of the first chamber 22 as shown in FIG. 9. When the carriage assembly completes its full movement from the first to the second position, limit switch LS is activated, causing the carriage and the ejecting member to move back to the first position as shown in FIG. 10. This movement causes the trash at the bottom of the first chamber to be pushed out the side opening 93 of that chamber into the sleeve 134 in the third chamber.

As this cycle is repeated for additional trash entering the chute 28, the trash pushed into the third chamber is additionally compacted and compressed.

When desired or when the sleeve in the third chamber is fully filled, the solenoids 22 on the clam connecting devices connecting the carriage 32 to the screw systems are energized by manually operating push buttom 190 so as to release the connection therewith. Doors 130 are opened. The ejecting member 90 is then moved through the third chamber by activating the motors 100. This movement of the ejecting member causes the full sleeve to move outwardly from the outlet 128 of the third chamber where the compacted trash is disposed of.

The ejecting member automatically returns to its position adjacent the end of the carriage 32, as described, thereby readying the apparatus for another cycle.

While one advantageous embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereinwithout departing from thescope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

What is claimed is: l. A trash compacting apparatus comprising: first means for defining a first chamber having a top opening and a side opening; l second means, coupled to said first means; for defining a-second chamber located above and directly communicating with said first chamber through said top opening; third means, coupled to said first means, fordefining a third chamber located on one side of and directly communicating with said first chamber through said side opening; a carriage assembly longitudinally movable through said first chamber between a first position wherein a first portion of said carriage assembly fills said top opening and a second portion of said carriage assembly fills said side opening, and a second position wherein said first and second portions are spaced from said openings; chute means, coupled to said second chamber, for

delivering trash into said second chamber; compaction means, located in said second chamber, for compressing trash against said first portion of said carriage assembly when said carriage assembly is in said first position; power means for moving said carriage assembly between said first and second positions; and scraping means, located adjacent said top opening and in contacting relationship with said first portion, for scraping said first portion of trash as said first portion is moved from said first position to said second position to thereby cause the trash to fall into said first chamber; whereby movement of said carriage assembly from said second position causes the trash in said first chamber to be transferred to and compacted in said third chamber. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further including sensing means, located in said chute means, for actuating said compaction means when trash passes through said chute means. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further including control means, coupled to said compaction means,

for actuating said power means. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carriage assembly includes ejection means, coupled to said power means, for

ejecting trash from said third chamber. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said third chamber has an inlet and an outlet, said inlet coinciding with said side opening of said first chamber and said ejection means includes an ejection member, and means for moving said ejection member horizontally and independently of said carriage assembly between said inlet and said outlet of said third chamber. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power means includes screw drive means rotatably mounted adjacent said first and third chambers, and

connection means, coupled to said carriage assembly and said screw drive means, for coupling said carriage assembly to said screw drive means.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said third chamber further includes means for closing said outlet.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for scraping is formed by the intersection of portions of said chute means and said first chamber.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carriage assembly comprises a bottom member supported on and slidable along the bottom of said first chamber; and

a planar top member supported above said bottom said first portion of said carriage assembly is flat. 

1. A trash compacting apparatus comprising: first means for defining a first chamber having a top opening and a side opening; second means, coupled to said first means, for defining a second chamber located above and directly communicating with said first chamber through said top opening; third means, coupled to said first means, for defining a third chamber located on one side of and directly communicating with said first chamber through said side opening; a carriage assembly longitudinally movable through said first chamber between a first position wherein a first portion of said carriage assembly fills said top opening and a second portion of said carriage assembly fills said side opening, and a second position wherein said first and second portions are spaced from said openings; chute means, coupled to said second chamber, for delivering trash into said second chamber; compaction means, located in said second chamber, for compressing trash against said first portion of said carriage assembly when said carriage assembly is in said first position; power means for moving said carriage assembly between said first and second positions; and scraping means, located adjacent said top opening and in contacting relationship with said first portion, for scraping said first portion of trash as said first portion is moved from said first position to said second position to thereby cause the trash to fall into said first chamber; whereby movement of said carriage assembly from said second position causes the trash in said first chamber to be transferred to and compacted in said third chamber.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further including sensing means, located in said chute means, for actuating said compaction means when trash passes through said chute means.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further including control means, coupled to said compaction means, for actuating said power means.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carriage assembly includes ejection means, coupled to said power means, for ejecting trash from said third chamber.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said third chamber has an inlet and an outlet, said inlet coinciding with said side opening of said first chamber and said ejection means includes an ejection member, and means for moving said ejection member horizontally and independently of said carriage assembly between said inlet and said outlet of said third chamber.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power means includes screw drive means rotatably mounted adjacent said first and third chambers, and connection means, coupled to said carriage assembly and said screw drive means, for coupling said carriage assembly to said screw drive means.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said third chamber further includes means for closing said outlet.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for scraping is formed by the intersection of portions of said chute means and said first chamber.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carriage assembly comprises a bottom member supported on and slidable along the bottom of said first chamber; and a planar top member supported above said bottom member so that the plane containing the top of said top member is coincident with the plane containing the top opening of said first chamber, said top of said top member forming said first portion of said carriage assEmbly.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said chute means comprises a chute having a sloping bottom wall, said sloping bottom wall intersecting the top of said first chamber and ending in the plane containing said top opening of said first chamber.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first portion of said carriage assembly is flat. 